Battery questions.

[Ramie]

It's time for a new battery for my interstate.  The last one was a napa agm that's lasted only 2 1/2 years, very disappointing.  I've been looking at a Yuasa but was surprised to see it's not an AGM
https://www.amazon.com/Yuasa-YUAM3RH4S-Maintence-Free-Battery/dp/B08365S8VP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3D51S9L2RRIF4&keywords=Yuasa+YTX14-BS+agm&qid=1677347402&s=automotive&sprefix=yuasa+ytx14-bs+agm%2Cautomotive%2C131&sr=1-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840.  It's considered maintenance free but still you have to add the acid.

I've also looked at this one that's AGM and has a higher Ah rating but don't know the Motobatt brand.
https://www.amazon.com/MotoBatt-MBTX12U-Lead_Acid_Battery/dp/B003YMRH70/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2VEMWFZ2TGWTN&keywords=Motobatt+MBTX12U&qid=1677348695&s=automotive&sprefix=motobatt+mbtx12u%2Cautomotive%2C190&sr=1-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&psc=1&smid=A2TYWLNA1NG1D7&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOEw4S1JMVldaRENTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTg3NDEwMzAyTUlMRTBGU1dQWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDI3MTQ4MUNBV0ZTWlFQSU41TyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I've always thought for a Bike that AGM was the best option but I'd really like something to last more than 2 1/2 years.  I'd be interested in your thoughts.  AGM or acid?
Yuasa or MotoBatt or is there another brand you swear by.  I'm not really interested in going to Lithium battery route. 

[Challenger]

Never had a Yuasa last less than 6 years . The one in the Std now is 8 years old .
YMMV

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

If you do an internet search for "fake Yuasa batteries", you'll see that many of the batteries in question were purchased on Amazon, so buyer beware.

It's tough to buy anything of quality these days. So many questionable products out there by companies that just fold and re-open under a new name when the SHTF. Nowadays, you also have counterfeit products out there. I've seen SKF and NTN bearings, TRW chassis parts, NGK plugs and sensors, Delco, and others faked, all over the last 15 years or so.

This is the world we live in now.

[WintrSol]

Genuine Yuasa, Motobatt, and Odyssey batteries have good reputations. The Yuasa AGM in my Valkyrie was in it when I bought it 8 years ago, and I replaced it after 5 years, in spite of the nearly full discharge on the way to West Virginia a few years back. So, more than 5 years in service. I had a Motobatt AGM in my Suzuki Intruder, still working fine after 5 years in service, when I sold it - not long after I bought the Valk. The Odyssey brand was very well liked on the Intruder forums. In all cases, none came via Amazon or eBay, but from well-known parts houses. I also put the tenders on them from time to time, just to keep them fresh.

[98valk]

the Yuasa for the valkyrie is an AGM. it is what honda spec'd for it and what it comes with from the factory.

if u want to save about 9 lbs of dead weight get a LiFePo4 battery. get the largest one that will fit, esp if u ride in 45F and less whereas the battery will go to sleep and needs to have an electric drain on it for a few minutes to wake it up. hence the larger size for more reserved capacity.

much info here
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/motorcycle-batteries-agm-gel-wet-lithium-iron-phosphate-lifepo4.757934/page-158#post-46957717

[WintrSol]

Save a whole 9 pounds on a 900 pound bike - a whole 1%!?

[98valk]

Save a whole 9 pounds on a 900 pound bike - a whole 1%!?

don't know were u got your 900lbs, since the heaviest goldwing was 912lbs and the valkyrie I/S was 833lbs

tourer model is listed at 770lbs, 9 lbs is part of other weight reductions I've implemented. complete Pair valve removal is about 3 lbs, etc.

[h13man]

It's time for a new battery for my interstate.  The last one was a napa agm that's lasted only 2 1/2 years, very disappointing.  I've been looking at a Yuasa but was surprised to see it's not an AGM
https://www.amazon.com/Yuasa-YUAM3RH4S-Maintence-Free-Battery/dp/B08365S8VP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3D51S9L2RRIF4&keywords=Yuasa+YTX14-BS+agm&qid=1677347402&s=automotive&sprefix=yuasa+ytx14-bs+agm%2Cautomotive%2C131&sr=1-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840.  It's considered maintenance free but still you have to add the acid.

I'm presently using this same unit. My last battery was a 12 yr. old Napa AGM. You have to add the acid as its shipped separately in the box due to shipping laws I assume. They suggest 1.4 amp charging rate thus I used my 2 amp. setting. AGM is the internal tech but still requires acid to work. 5 yrs. now no issues.  

Here's an article to explain the difference between the AGM & standard SLM/FAB batteries.

https://www.power-sonic.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-agm-batteries/#:~:text=WHAT%20IS%20AN%20AGM%20BATTERY,stands%20for%20Absorbent%20Glass%20Mat.

[WintrSol]

Save a whole 9 pounds on a 900 pound bike - a whole 1%!?

don't know were u got your 900lbs, since the heaviest goldwing was 912lbs and the valkyrie I/S was 833lbs

tourer model is listed at 770lbs, 9 lbs is part of other weight reductions I've implemented. complete Pair valve removal is about 3 lbs, etc.

I weighed mine, full tank and belly tank, with me (~160, at the time) on it: ~925 pounds The truck scale resolution was about 20. My service manual says curb weight of the Tourer is 769 pounds, add about 25 for the full belly tank and me, that's over 950. Saving 9 is, to me, rather meaningless.

[ckahler]

I get the cheapest, maintance free batteries I can find. They last 3 - 4 years. I have found "quality" batteries may not last any longer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/291703981148?hash=item43eae9845c%3Ag%3A5EYAAOSwHlxeWrWO&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4BcsBN3pYMWoJ4Yf7sOPzcYSLvypSu7SsbVeGU9pGukpmF2Bu0GwSJD4O3rSaYwKshZ4%2FIQbmSnGWSqOO%2FCqvi01O6VveSadR8Ob%2FZ3uH21cpha%2B9vVDI7tuytB6r7qyh8ERr8rxDRPFj3BBuHmawu5ewFHlKTiRrPKV7Qg9LUBBBe45bILps6lXyigRYLaxFVp0E71OfRJygjtaqSQF4fn2HFDoGhvgZKDu7VdSCN%2Fa2zai1yv6SWzHhvvQ1mC6kBB5GkgJzBU4bZ1JNgpe8JbHEHTnAKtbTjc7KK4er413%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8Cby5DSYQ&LH_ItemCondition=3

[f-Stop]

I guess battery threads are now like tire or oil threads...

Anyway, here's my Valkyrie battery experience...I had a famed YUASA last only about 2 1/2 years.  Died in the parking lot of a store on a Saturday evening.  The next morning -- Sunday -- I went to Batteries Plus -- the only place open -- and purchased a Duracell AGM.  (Got a good ride in that afternoon.)  That Duracell lasted about six years.  Replaced it last year with a Lithium from, you guessed it, Batteries Plus.  So far, so good with that battery.  It has the best cranking power of any battery I've ever had on any of my motorcycles.



Time will tell how long it lasts, etc.  But when the YUASA dies  that's in my wife's Shadow -- it's over six years old at this point -- I'm gonna replace it with an X2 Power Lithium from Batteries Plus.

 

[cookiedough]

I do not like the way those top post terminals look on the Motobatt battery shown.  Very thin and mostly plastic around thinner metal square bracket.  The Yuasa has more metal contact and thicker metal terminals all the way around.  Is a crap shoot nowadays.  I went to Napa bought their supposedly good brand and never really held a charge from after 1 year of service and not any cheaper.  I have had my best luck with Yuasa around 90 bucks lasting 6-8 years or so, never under 5 years of service life. 

you can, as said, go dirt cheap at half the cost say 50 bucks each but in my experience I use to do that and only good for 2-3 years NON AGM.  So, double the useful life with Yuasa but double the cost, up to you. 

I have 3 batteries will need replacing this year or for sure next year.  All fully charged ONLY show about 12.20 volts and should be fully charged 12.50 volts or higher.  I find much under 12.20 volts and iffy might leave you stranded one day.  Luckily.  I have 3 of the same batteries 2 for Valks and 1 for scooter all the same.  I am currently charging 2 batteries after letting sit and show after sitting a few months uncharged 12.10 volts so like said,  bet tops after charging 12.25 volts soon. 

[Ramie]

I went with the Yusa.  Waiting for it to warm up a little before I activate it and charge it.

[rug_burn]

Okay-   I'll be the one to ask it:  

What is an AGM battery??  You got your sealed lead acid batteries, your regular vented lead acid, your gel cell, your Lithium types, but no-  not one of these (?)   (No one bothers to explain obscure jargon here for us ignorant masses?)

[98valk]

Okay-   I'll be the one to ask it:  

What is an AGM battery??  You got your sealed lead acid batteries, your regular vented lead acid, your gel cell, your Lithium types, but no-  not one of these (?)   (No one bothers to explain obscure jargon here for us ignorant masses?)

it is what the OEM battery is, lighter weight and more power.

An AGM battery is a car battery designed for two jobs: delivering powerful bursts of starting amps and running electronics for a long time.

And here’s the big deal: They tend to last longer than a regular flooded battery.

The acronym stands for “absorbed glass mat” and that’s one of many improvements made to Planté’s original train light battery. Glass mats, cushioning the ultra-thin lead plates, will squish like a sponge. In turn, manufacturers can squeeze more glass mats and lead into one battery. More lead equals more power. Plus, that squish factor means the battery’s insides are packed tightly.

AGM batteries also have valves regulating the amount of hydrogen and oxygen gas allowed to escape during charging. They fall under a broader category of valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, typically used for storing a lot of power for a long time or for long-running power uses.

https://www.interstatebatteries.com/blog/what-is-an-agm-battery-and-whats-the-big-deal

[RonW]

In AGM batteries, the positive and negative plates have an (absorbent) glass mat positioned between the plates. The glass mat absorbs the electrolyte preventing the electrolyte from sloshing around making it better for vibrations etc.

Some AGM batteries allow you to add electrolyte after sale.

Most AGM batteries are fully sealed and the electrolyte is already in there (maintenance free).

-------------------------------------------------------------------

The 'G' in AGM does not stand for 'gel.'

Which broches the question, what in tarnation are these 'Gel batteries for motorbikes' or 'True Gel' or iGel batteries that they're selling today??

Gel batteries use to be for motorized wheel chairs, golf carts, etc. Gel batteries can be discharged completely numerous times but still be recharged fully and use to be much more expensive than AGM's.

[RonW]

Are Gel batteries better than AGM for motorbikes?

[RonW]

Thanks. I did some research on Gel batteries for motorbikes but did not get anything definitive.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" A real comparison test, particularly when cold, was not available."

I ran across this video on testing cold conditions. (The author terms it as voltage 'sag'.) I've advanced the video in the link.

[98valk]

GEL:

A gel battery generally lasts longer than AGM; improved heat transfer to the outside is one reason. (The gel separator moves heat whereas the absorbent glass mat of the AGM acts as insulator.) A further advantage of gel is the dome shaped performance curve that allows the battery to stay in the high performance range during most of its service life before dropping rapidly towards the end of life; AGM, in comparison, fades gradually.

Gel is known for good performance at high ambient temperatures, is less prone to sulfation than other systems, but it needs the correct charge and float voltages. In comparison, AGM is superior at low temperatures with better current delivery because of low internal resistance. The cycle count on gel is said to be larger than AGM and the secret lies in holding more acid due to its design. Because of higher internals resistance, gel batteries are not used for high current applications.
Gel is cheaper than flooded and is the preferred battery for the UPS installations in communications. AGM comes at a lower cost and is also superior in load capabilities to gel. Both systems have a promising future and will continue to serve for standby applications that require limited deep cycling. Table 1 illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of the gel battery over other lead acid systems.

https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-201b-gel-lead-acid-battery
states gel must be ventilated do to gases being released. that doesn't sound good for a motorcycle

AGM;
AGM is the preferred battery for upscale motorcycles. Being sealed, AGM reduces acid spilling in an accident, lowers the weight for the same performance and allows installation at odd angles. Because of good performance at cold temperatures, AGM batteries are also used for marine, motor home and robotic applications.
gel has a risk of thermal overload.
https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-201a-absorbent-glass-mat-agm

days of reading
https://batteryuniversity.com/articles

[BobAnth]

I have never had to much trouble with batteries in the Valk or Goldwing. 1.5 -2 amp trickle charger on them. But my Yamaha Road Star with the coffee cans for pistons really puts the batteries to a test. Most of my batteries only last 2 years at the most, banchee, and many other brands don't have the punch to turn over the motor after awhile. Diehard is not the same company anymore. YUASA is still a great battery and so is DEKA 310cca These companys don't over inflate there specs. Also the weight of the battery-amount of thick lead plates for durability. 11-12 lbs vs 14-15lbs, you do the math. Befoe you buy a battery anymore-Google who makes your battery your interested in. Even the socalled great INTERSTATE battery is only a shadow of what it used to be. A brand name means nothing anymore.